17th NSF: That Return Of N.5bn

The ovation that greeted the superlative performance of Rivers State at the 17th National Sports Festival (NSF) has refused to die down months after the games. This is because something rather un-common was revealed at the presentation of the final reports of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the festival.

The chairman of the LOC and Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Engr Tele Ikuru in course of the presentation of the final report on the festival said his committee was returning N572 million being money unspent from the sum of N4 billion released for the festival.

At a time, when the moral make-up of the average Nigerian was being tested, the return of such money to the public coffers is un-common. Worse still, at a time those in public offices are seen as common thieves, this gesture speaks otherwise.

We think that the Engr Tele Ikuru-led LOC has made a statement of character that is commendable. As some people hurry to point out the ills in the polity and even abuse public office holders, the good that some people sacrifice so much to record should also not go unnoticed and unrewarded.

The LOC of the 17th NSF had already been praised for serving Rivers State and Nigeria well through the festival hosted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. It is unanimous that the Port Harcourt festival was the most glamorous and outstanding in a number of ways.

To add to being able to post a very peaceful and organised game at the time it took place and for Rivers State to dominate the medals table, the committee was thought to have done a superlative job. But to add honour to this public assignment is something that should be exemplified and emulated at all levels.

While we do not by any means discount on the worrisome level of corruption, moral depravity and the maddening pillage in public offices, we cannot help but note a pleasant surprise that may not also be isolated in some places. It is important that words like these are let out so that the conscientious in the population were not deceived.

We are glad to note that there are some Nigerians that are still honest. We are delighted to note that there are some politicians that can resist the temptation of unspent public money. We are proud that this is happening in Rivers State and having to involve the number two man in the state. What that says of our government is huge.

This example is so compelling because the LOC could have even asked for more money and gotten release because of the wonderful successes recorded. On the other hand, it could just retire the money as may be required by practice and shared the money among its members and there will be no way of suspecting any foul play.

Even more impressive is the temptation of declaring a very negligible amount and doing away with hundreds of millions of naira. But for these Rivers people to return more than half a billion naira under the present era of low self esteem and unbridled appetite for ill-gotten wealth in the country shows that all is not lost for our country.

For us, the LOC got it right when the games ended with nothing but praises. But we noted a feat earlier when after the games, the LOC had no crisis with any contractor, sponsor, athlete or official over funds in spite of the much that the festival had to deal with at the time.

Within the period, the state was on high alert to provide facilities at the newly constructed Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium at the Greater Port Harcourt City area. There were security and transport management challenges among others, even cynics left no room for hopes, but all passed under a loud ovation.

That is why we join other well meaning Nigerians to commend the chairman and members of the Local Organising Committee of the 17th NSF. We believe that they deserve some formal commendation and reward to serve as an encouragement for people who would resist the prevailing evil in the system and prove to be the good Nigerians that they are.

It is heartwarming that some people, even in government can still say no to assumptions that government money was free money. With acts like this, government can put public funds to more productive use and meet the yearnings of the people, instead of attract curses owing to unrealised dreams.

The festival that opened with a world-class ceremony has finally come to an equally world-class ending in human character strength. What the LOC did is something many people would call un-Nigerian these days. But we are proud that is truly Rivers and naturally honourable. Once more we say bravo Rivers.